President Ilham Aliyev claims India is punishing Baku for supporting Islamabad during Operation Sindoor
What Happened
- Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has claimed that India blocked his country’s bid to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
- According to him, India’s action is a response to Azerbaijan’s strong ties with Pakistan, especially during recent military tensions.
Support for Pakistan Highlighted
- Aliyev met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tianjin, China.
- He congratulated Pakistan for its “victory” during a military standoff with India earlier this year.
- He said Azerbaijan will continue to value its “brotherhood” with Pakistan, despite India’s actions.
Media & Diplomatic Statements
- Azerbaijani media accused India of going against the spirit of multilateral diplomacy.
- Reports claim India’s decision is connected to Operation Sindoor, where India targeted terror bases in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Azerbaijan had issued a statement expressing concern over rising India–Pakistan tensions.
Growing Azerbaijan–Pakistan Ties
- Azerbaijan and Pakistan have been increasing cooperation in:
- Defense
- Trade
- Regional security
- Both countries are part of a joint intergovernmental commission to strengthen ties further.
Why It Matters
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Regional diplomacy | Rising tensions between India and Azerbaijan |
| India’s foreign strategy | Shows India’s influence in global alliances |
| SCO dynamics | Highlights power plays in multilateral forums |
Azerbaijan’s sharp statement signals a possible shift in South-Central Asian geopolitics. As Baku sides with Islamabad, India’s regional strategy may face new challenges—especially within global platforms like the SCO.
